*Darren*

I woke before dawn, as usual, the darkness outside still pressed against the windows. Sleep and I were barely on speaking terms anymore. I could close my eyes, but it was only a matter of time before some shadow would claw its way into my dreams and drag me back out. I’d given up on restful nights long ago. Instead, I’d fall into bed late and be back at my desk before the sun.

Emails and messages had become my early morning ritual, sorting through them and clearing ...